Flashlight mounting system

CROSS-REFERENCE IS MADE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based on U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/214,384, filed Apr. 22, 2009, of the same title.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates a flashlight mounting system and more particularly to a versatile mounting system for removably attaching a flashlight to headgear, particularly protective helmets such as those worn by firefighters and others.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Flashlights are commonly used by firefighters, construction workers and others in areas or situations where illumination is required. Firefighters often enter dark or smoke-filled areas and find it necessary to use a flashlight for illumination. Firefighters and others also require the ability and freedom to use both hands to perform their duties. If it becomes necessary for these individuals to hold a flashlight in one hand for illumination, the individual's ability to effectively operate equipment and safely perform duties in these conditions may be seriously impaired.

Various types of lights are secured to the fronts of helmets such as mining helmets and other types of helmets. Brackets and holders have been developed and can be found in the prior art which are more specifically intended for use with helmets of the type worn by firefighters. Once such holder is shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,156,536 ('536 patent), which discloses a light holder for a brimmed helmet of the type worn by firefighters. The holder has an aperture for receiving the barrel of a light. A mounting slot extends with respect to the aperture so that when the mounting slot is engaged in the brim, the light is maintained at eye level, below the helmet brim and in an out-of-the-way position to minimize the possibility of entanglement. Setscrews or other fasteners may be provided for securement of a light to the holder and the holder to the helmet. Other types of helmets, headgear or light holders are also discussed in the '536 patent.

While the flashlight holder shown in the '536 patent represents a substantial improvement in the state of the art and which holder has achieved recognition and acceptance, particularly by firefighters, there are a number of features according to the present invention which provide further benefits and efficiencies.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly, an embodiment of the present invention provides a flashlight mounting system for a helmet having a light-receiving section or holder, adjustable coupling and an adaptor. The holder has a body which defines an opening for receiving and removably holding the barrel of a flashlight. The body may be provided with a fastener such as a thumb screw to secure the light in place once it has been inserted in the opening in the body.

Holder inserts may be provided which can be placed within the opening of the holder to alter the effective size of the opening so lights of various sizes and shapes may be secured in the holder. The holder carries a connector which includes an annular connector ring. Within the annular connector ring is an opening in the wall of the holder having a plurality of circumferentially extending, spaced-apart projections or teeth. The connector ring has frictional retainer means such as a groove or ridge engageable with a cooperating groove or ridge on a ring on an adaptor so the holder and adaptor may be engaged or disengaged to separate the flashlight and holder from the helmet.

An adjustable coupling is insertable within the opening in the holder from the interior of the holder. The adjustable coupling has projections or teeth which are selectively engageable with the projections or teeth within the connector ring. The coupling has a central projecting hub and the coupling may be angularly rotated and locked in a desired position in the opening in the holder to adjust the angular position of the light relative to the helmet. The coupling hub is oval, polygonal or other non-circular shape selected so the adaptor will not rotate. The coupling is held in place by the body of the flashlight.

The adaptor is securable to a surface, such as to the side of a helmet and has an annular outer ring and an inner seat. The inner seat has a recess with a cross-sectional configuration corresponding to the configuration of the coupling hub and is engageable with the hub of the adjustable coupling to secure the light holder in a selected position established by the position of the coupling relative to the holder. The adaptor ring has a retaining groove or ridge which, when the connector and adaptor are placed together, will frictionally secure the adaptor and holder components together in the selected position. Adjustability is achieved by positioning the coupling relative to the holder to change the relative position of the coupling and the hub. The user can position the light holder to direct the light beam along a desired path depending on personal preference and helmet design. The selected position is “locked” by manually engaging the adaptor and the connector on the light holder at the cooperating ridge and groove. If the light and the attached holder are disengaged by the user from the adaptor, the light and holder may be easily reattached to the adaptor on the helmet with the light in the same position as it was before it was disengaged so the direction of the light beam is not changed.

The adaptor is mountable to a helmet by various means including fasteners or adhesives. The adaptor may have a section configured to cooperate with an existing bracket on the helmet or the adaptor may also be integrally formed on a surface of the helmet. One of the significant advantages of the present invention is that by selectively using various connectors and couplings, the system may be secured to helmets of various styles and types. Also, the same light may be used in connection with a variety of helmets which is common practice in some countries. The light may be adjusted to align with the line of sight of the user. The use of inserts allows the holder to accommodate a variety of styles and shapes of flashlight.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other advantages and objects of the present invention will become more apparent when taken in conjunction with the following description, claims and drawings in which:

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref> are perspective views of an embodiment of the light mounting system of the present invention shown without a light in place;

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3 and 4</figref> are perspective views of a light holder;

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a cross-sectional view of the light holder taken along lines <b>5</b>-<b>5</b> of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>;

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is a perspective view of a representative insert which may be used with the light holder of the present invention;

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is a perspective view of an adjustable coupling;

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is a perspective view of an adaptor;

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> is a cross-sectional view showing a holder, coupling and adaptor in an engaged position as would be mounted on a helmet;

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 10A to 10D</figref> illustrate various alternate mountings for attaching the adaptor to a helmet;

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 11 and 12</figref> illustrate several representative styles of firefighters helmets with which the system may be used showing attachments for the mounting system of the present invention;

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> shows a representative flashlight inserted in the holder of the mounting system of the present invention;

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref> is an exploded view of another embodiment of the mounting system showing an adaptor and connector;

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> is a perspective view of the connector, as seen in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref>, viewed from the opposite side;

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref> is a perspective view of a flashlight in which an adaptor compatible with the holder shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref> is formed as an integral component of the flashlight body;

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref> is an exploded view of another embodiment of the mounting system showing an adaptor and connector;

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref> is a perspective view of the connector, as seen in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref>, as viewed from the opposite side;

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref> is a perspective view of a flashlight in which an adaptor compatible with the holder shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref> is formed as an integral component of the flashlight body;

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref> is an exploded view of another embodiment of the mounting system showing an adaptor and connector;

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 21</figref> is a perspective view of the connector, as seen in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref>, as viewed from the opposite side; and

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 22</figref> is a perspective view of a flashlight in which an adaptor compatible with the holder shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref> is formed as an integral component of the flashlight body.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be described in connection with various styles of helmets of the type worn by firefighters. It is understood that the holder of the present invention may be used with other types of helmets and headgear such as those worn by construction workers, miners and the like.

One style of firefighter's helmet is generally shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref>. This style of helmet is more commonly used by firemen in European countries. The helmet H of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> includes a shell S which encompasses the wearer's head and is fabricated from a suitable impact-absorbing material. The lower edge E of the helmet projects downwardly, vertically extending around the wearer's neck and below the wearer's ear. These types of helmets are often provided with a mounting bracket B which may be integrally formed with the helmet or attached by fasteners as shown having flanges M or other features for attaching an accessory.

Firefighters helmets of the type more commonly found in the United States are shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> having a more horizontally extending lower rim R. This type of helmet may also have some type of mounting fixture or bracket attached to the helmet such as adaptor <b>90</b> which is a component of the present system as will be explained below.

The mounting system of the present invention provides versatility and is designed for use with types of helmets as shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 11 and 12</figref>, as well as other types of helmets. The mounting system of the present invention accommodates various sizes and types of flashlights and, further, quickly facilitates detachment and re-attachment of a light without removal of the helmet, even in difficult conditions in which firefighters and others work. The light, when removed, may be used as a hand-held light or the direction of the light path may be adjusted in accordance with the preference of the user and remounted on the helmet or may be quickly reattached with the position of the light unchanged.

Referring to the drawings, particularly <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 to 9</figref>, the mounting system of the present invention is generally designated by the numeral <b>10</b>. The mounting system has multiple components including a light-receiving member or light-holder <b>12</b>, an adaptor <b>14</b> and a coupling <b>16</b>.

Holder <b>12</b>, as best seen in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3</figref>, <b>4</b> and <b>5</b>, has a housing or body <b>15</b> defining a receptacle or opening <b>22</b> for a flashlight. The light holder <b>12</b> may be any suitable shape and is shown as being generally octagonal having opposed sidewalls <b>18</b> and <b>20</b>. Opening <b>22</b> is shown as being generally oval and is configured to conform to the cross-sectional size and shape of many of the standard types of flashlights used by firefighters. However, as will be explained, selected inserts <b>44</b> may be positioned within the opening to adapt the holder opening <b>22</b> to accommodate flashlights of various sizes and shapes.

The exterior surface of sidewall <b>18</b> is provided with an attached or integrally formed connector <b>19</b> which is shown as having a generally circular ring <b>60</b> extending about opening <b>26</b> in sidewall <b>18</b>. A plurality of circumferential projections or teeth <b>28</b> extend around the edge of the opening. The opposite sidewall <b>20</b> carries a fastener <b>30</b>, as best seen in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, having a body which is in threaded engagement with the sidewall at <b>32</b>. The fastener <b>30</b> is preferably a thumb screw which can be manipulated by the user even when wearing gloves, is loosened when a flashlight is inserted into the opening <b>22</b> and may be tightened to secure the flashlight in place. The holder <b>12</b> may be any suitable material such as a heavy-duty, heat-resistant plastic or a metal such as aluminum, and may be fabricated by casting, molding, machining or other techniques.

In order to provide versatility and adapability to various styles, types and shapes of lights, the holder <b>12</b> may be used with various inserts. The inserts <b>44</b>, are seen in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1</figref>, <b>2</b>, <b>6</b> and <b>9</b>, and one or more inserts are positionable within the opening <b>22</b> when the shape of the barrel of the light does not conform to the opening <b>22</b>. A selection of individual inserts may be provided to or made available to the user. Each of the inserts <b>44</b> has a body <b>45</b> having an outer surface <b>46</b> generally conforming to or permitting the outer surface to be positioned within the opening <b>22</b>, as best seen in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>. The inner surfaces <b>48</b> of the inserts are configured to conform to the size and shape of a particular flashlight. The ends of the insert are provided with flanged end walls <b>50</b> which can be frictionally engaged against the opposite ends of the holder <b>12</b> to secure the inserts in place, as seen in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref>. The inserts can be removed from the opening so the holder <b>12</b> may be used without inserts or may be used with other inserts having various configurations to accommodate other sizes, types and styles of lights.

The inserts <b>44</b> may also be secured to the light-receiving section by other means such as providing the opposite upper and lower surfaces of the opening <b>22</b> with axially extending slots or keyways <b>25</b>, as seen in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref>, having a dovetail configuration which taper to receive a corresponding key on the insert. The inserts may be molded from a resilient material to frictionally engage the light and also to provide cushioning for the contained light or the inserts may be one or several spring clips which engage and secure the light within the holder.

As explained, the sidewall <b>20</b> of the body <b>15</b> of the holder <b>12</b> carries a connector ring <b>19</b> which has a generally annular wall <b>60</b>. Concentrically located within the annular wall <b>60</b> is opening <b>26</b> having a plurality of peripheral projections or teeth <b>28</b>. An adjustable coupling <b>16</b>, shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>, has a circular flange <b>66</b> and a projecting hub <b>70</b>. A plurality of projections or teeth <b>72</b> extend around the hub <b>70</b> on the flange and are spaced to engageably conform to teeth <b>28</b> extending around opening <b>26</b> in the sidewall of the holder <b>12</b>. The projections or teeth <b>28</b>, <b>72</b> cooperate and are engageable locking members to “lock” the position of the coupling <b>16</b> relative to the holder <b>12</b> establishing the position of the light. The coupling is held in place by the barrel of the flashlight. The light may be removed and coupling disengaged and the position of the coupling <b>16</b> can be rotatively adjusted relative to the holder <b>12</b> and the orientation of hub <b>70</b>. Hub <b>70</b> is non-circular and is shown as oval but may have other cross-sectional shapes such as polygonal to facilitate adjustment of the light holder <b>12</b>. The hub <b>70</b> seats in a complementary shaped recess <b>85</b> in the seat <b>84</b> of the adaptor <b>14</b>. When the adaptor is engaged with the coupling, as seen in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>, the cooperating ridges and grooves <b>75</b>, <b>76</b> on the adaptor ring <b>80</b> and the connector ring <b>19</b> are frictionally engaged, securing the components together and securing the coupling <b>16</b> in a selected rotative position to properly direct the beam of light. The periphery of the annular ring <b>80</b> of the adaptor <b>14</b> may be provided with one or more slots <b>93</b> to facilitate the engagement of the adaptor and the connector.

The rear side of the adaptor <b>14</b> is provided with a mounting pad <b>90</b> for securement to the helmet. The mounting pad <b>90</b> may be a flat pad, but is preferably concave, to fit against the curved surface of a helmet. The pad is secured to a location on the side of helmet H by a suitable, aggressive adhesive, as seen in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref>. The pad <b>90</b> may have a plurality of peripheral sections <b>98</b> which may be trimmed to accommodate mounting on particular helmet styles or at a particular location on a helmet.

Alternatively, the adaptor <b>14</b> may also be provided with flanges <b>92</b> and <b>94</b>, complementary to be removably received in bracket B mounted on the helmet H of the type shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref>. <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 10C and 10D</figref> are side views of adaptors <b>14</b> which illustrate representative mounting flanges <b>92</b>, <b>94</b> that may be provided on the adaptor <b>14</b> which, in other respects, is as described above. The adaptor may also be clamped to the helmet brim using clamps <b>95</b> or <b>99</b> with fasteners <b>96</b> as seen in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 10A and 10B</figref>. The particular mounting type and configuration will depend on the type and style of helmet. Adaptor <b>14</b> may also be integrally formed as part of the helmet, as seen in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref>.

In use, the body or barrel of a selected flashlight F is inserted within the opening <b>22</b> in the holder <b>12</b>, as seen in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref>, and may be secured by fastener <b>30</b>. If required, a selected insert <b>44</b> can first be inserted in the opening <b>22</b> to accommodate the particular style of light. The adaptor <b>14</b> is secured to a helmet at mounting pad <b>90</b> by use of an adhesive or by attachment to an existing bracket on the helmet or by clamps as shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 10A</figref>, <b>10</b>B. The user will initially insert the adjustable coupling <b>16</b> into the opening <b>28</b> in the sidewall of the holder <b>12</b>. The relative position of the coupling <b>16</b> to the holder <b>12</b> can be rotatively adjusted as required to establish the position of the light F and the direction of the light beam. After the light is inserted in the holder, the adaptor and holder are “snapped” together in frictional engagement at ridges and grooves <b>75</b>, <b>76</b> on rings <b>60</b>, <b>80</b>. When the user wishes to use the light independent of the helmet, a separating manual force is applied which unseats the engagement of the adaptor and holder. The components can be re-engaged with the light in the same position. If adjustment of the position of the light is required, the light is removed from the holder and the coupling <b>16</b> is repositioned rotating the hub to a new position to redirect the beam of the flashlight once the components are reassembled. The circular configuration of the annular ring <b>19</b> and the flange on the adaptor permit relative rotation of the components.

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 14 and 15</figref> show another embodiment of the present invention designated by the numeral <b>100</b> having a light holder <b>112</b> and adaptor <b>114</b>. The holder has an opening <b>122</b> for receipt of a flashlight which may be secured by fastener <b>130</b>. The body of the holder <b>112</b> has an ring <b>119</b> on one sidewall <b>118</b> with an annular ridge or groove <b>190</b>. Concentrically located within ring <b>119</b> is coupling <b>116</b> which is fixed. Coupling <b>116</b> has a plurality of axial teeth or splines <b>172</b> which are engageable with complementary grooves <b>180</b> on the interior wall of hub <b>184</b> of connector <b>114</b>, as seen in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref>, to “lock” the light in a selected position. Connector <b>114</b> has a peripheral slotted flange <b>185</b> frictionally engageable with annular ring <b>119</b> of the holder <b>112</b> at cooperating features <b>190</b>, <b>192</b>, which are shown as a ridge and a groove. The connector <b>114</b> has a flange <b>195</b> which is removably engageable with a helmet bracket B of the type shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 11</figref> and <b>12</b>. Flange <b>195</b> may be chamfered at <b>196</b> to facilitate insertion in a bracket of the type shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref>. Adjustment of the light secured within the holder <b>112</b> is accomplished by applying an outward separating force to the light and holder to disengage the holder from the adaptor. The light can then be placed in the desired position and the holder and adaptor re-engaged at splines <b>116</b> and grooves <b>180</b>.

The holder may also be integrally formed as a component of the light extending from the barrel of the light as seen in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref>. The holder <b>112</b>A, as seen in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref>, is in other respects is as described with reference to holder <b>112</b> with reference to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 12 and 13</figref>. Securement, adjustment and removal of the light L to an adaptor, such as adaptor <b>114</b>, is also accomplished as described.

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 17 and 18</figref> show another embodiment of the mounting system present invention designated by the numeral <b>200</b> having a holder <b>212</b> and adaptor <b>214</b>. The holder has an opening <b>222</b> for receipt of a flashlight which may be secured by fastener <b>230</b>. The body of the holder <b>212</b> has an annular ring <b>219</b> on sidewall <b>218</b>. Ring <b>219</b> has a plurality of peripheral teeth or ridges <b>272</b> which are engageable with complementary grooves <b>280</b> on the interior of wall <b>284</b> of adaptor <b>214</b> to “lock” the holder in a selected position relative to the adaptor. Adaptor <b>214</b> has a wall <b>284</b> engageable with annular ring <b>219</b> of the holder <b>212</b> at cooperating ridge and groove features <b>290</b>, <b>292</b>. The connector <b>214</b> has a flange <b>295</b> which is removably engageable with helmet bracket B of the type shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 11 and 12</figref>. Flange <b>295</b> may be chamfered at <b>296</b> to facilitate insertion in a bracket of the type shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref>. Adjustment of the light secured within the holder <b>212</b> is accomplished by applying a manual, outward separating force to the light and holder <b>212</b> to disengage the holder from the adaptor. The light can then be used as a handheld light and then replaced in the desired position and the holder and adaptor re-engaged with the teeth and grooves <b>272</b>, <b>280</b> of the coupling and hub engaged to maintain the position of the light. The ridge and groove <b>290</b>, <b>292</b> of the annular wall of the holder and adaptor are also frictionally engaged to hold the components together. The holder may also be integrally formed as a component of the light extending from the barrel of the light as seen in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref> and identified by the designation <b>212</b>A and cooperates with an adaptor such as adaptor <b>214</b> mounted on a helmet. The holder <b>212</b> in other respects is as described with reference to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 17 and 18</figref> and securement, adjustment and removal of the light is also accomplished as described.

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 20 to 22</figref> show another embodiment of the present invention designated by the numeral <b>300</b> having a holder <b>312</b> and adaptor <b>314</b>. The holder has an opening <b>322</b> for receipt of a flashlight which may be secured by fastener <b>330</b>. The body of the holder <b>312</b> has an annular ring <b>319</b> on one sidewall <b>318</b>. The edge of ring <b>319</b> has a plurality of axial teeth or ridges <b>372</b> which are engageable with complementary grooves <b>380</b> on the interior of annular wall <b>384</b> of adaptor <b>314</b> to selectively position the light and holder. Wall <b>384</b> is frictionally engageable with annular ring <b>360</b> of the holder <b>312</b> at cooperating ridge and groove <b>390</b>, <b>372</b>. Adaptor <b>314</b> has a flange <b>395</b> which is removably engageable with helmet bracket B of the type shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 11 and 12</figref>. Flange <b>395</b> may be chamfered at <b>396</b> to facilitate insertion in a bracket of the type shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref>. Removal of a light secured within the holder <b>312</b> is accomplished by applying an outward separating force to the light and holder to disengage the holder from the adaptor. The light can then be placed in the desired position and the holder and adaptor re-engaged with the teeth and grooves of the holder and adaptor.

The holder <b>312</b> may also be integrally formed as a component of the light extending from the barrel of the light L, as seen in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 22</figref>, or permanently attached. The holder <b>312</b>A in other respects is as described with reference to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 20 and 21</figref> and securement, adjustment and removal of the light is also accomplished as described.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that the present invention provides an improved light holder for flashlights for use with various styles and types of helmets. The system of the invention has a number of significant advantages and is versatile to accommodate lights of various sizes, shapes and types. The system allows the user to quickly, manually remove the light from his or her helmet for handheld use. The light can be re-engaged with the adaptor on the helmet without removal of the helmet in dark and sometimes dangerous conditions where removal of the user's helmet would pose a serious safety risk.

The system also is adaptable so that it may be used with helmets of various styles. The system secures a light in a convenient position generally aligned with the eye level of the wearer, either on the helmet or beneath a helmet brim making the light secure and less subject to becoming dislodged or entangled in wires or other structures that the user may encounter while wearing a helmet equipped with the light holder of the present invention.

In the event the light does become entangled, it may be quickly detached from the helmet by applying a manual force of about 12 lbs. to overcome the frictional engagement between the adaptor and connector, providing safety and break-away protection to the wearer.

While the system of the present invention has been described primarily for use with helmets to provide a versatile mounting, the system of the present invention may be used other applications where it is desirable to provide an adjustable and detachable light source. Such applications include, but are not limited to, shop applications, illumination of poorly lighted areas as well as hobby uses.

It will be obvious to those skilled in the art to make various changes, alterations and modifications to the invention described herein. To the extent such changes, alterations and modifications do not depart from the spirit and scope of the appended claims, they are intended to be encompassed therein.